40 Under 40 Hall of Fame - John Tomblin, Wichita State University

Who were your mentors and what did you learn from them? The late Fred Sudermann – one of the smartest people I will ever know. Currently, John Bardo – never thought I could find someone who had more energy than me – working with him is like laying rail track in front of a bullet train.

Tell us about any key decisions or turning points in your career. Turning the Kansas Coliseum into the world’s third largest aerospace structural testing facility.

Looking forward, what will you be doing in 5 years? Building the 10th building on the Innovation Campus and welcoming the 1000th employee to the work there.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Spending ever possible minute I can with my family.

What’s your favorite toy? The Rainbow Loom – invented by two Wichita State alumni and prototyped at Wichita State.

If I had only known … I would have taken an equity investment in the Rainbow Loom and be on an island somewhere … that I own.